KMA Radio

Specialties

KMA connects advertisers and listeners/​viewers by delivering cost-​effective marketing and relevant programming while providing a profitable and enjoyable employment opportunity for our co-​workers.

KMA provides local and regional news, weather, sports and information that engages listeners througout the day.

History

Established in 1925.

Earl May started KMA 960 AM to help promote his seed and nursery business. KMA hit the ariwaves on August 12, 1925.

May built the station headquarters and Mayfair Auditorium (demolished in 1964 due to it being declared structurally unsafe by the Iowa State Fire Marshal) across the street from the nursery business. Between music sets, May would pitch his seeds and tell nostalgic stories. May won «Radio Digest» gold cup for being voted the «World’s Most Popular Radio Announcer» by over 452,000 people throughout the United States in 1926.

The most famous celebrities in KMA’s history were the Everly Brothers, Don and Phil. In their early teen years, the brothers and their parents would appear on KMA to perform. Don and Phil made their way to fame in Hollywood with such hit songs as «Wake Up, Little Susie.»

KMA has a rich history of connecting listeners and advertisers while providing relevant and local news, weather, sports and information listeners have come to count on.

Meet the Business Owner

Ed M.

Business Owner

Ed May Jr is the grandson of Earl May who started KMA in 1925. Ed has a deep passion for KMA just as his father and grandfather did before him.

Ed continues to have a major role with the station as KMA is proud to be locally owned for 85 years.

The May’s family enthusiasm continues with the construction of a 100,000 Kilowat tower for the new 99.1 FM. Ed is excited for the future as KMA now broadcasts not only on 960 AM, but also on 99.1 FM.